Why A's keep adding famous names from past

MESA, Ariz. — For a team in the midst of a youth moment, the A’s sure have a lot gray hair this spring.

The team added Rollie Fingers, 71, as a special assistant to president on Wednesday. He joins fellow Hall of Famers Rickey Henderson, 59, and Dennis Eckersley, 63, as official alumni ambassadors.

Dave Stewart, the four-time 20-game winner, is in camp as a special instructor. Three-time World Series champ Sal Bando spoke to the team. Slick fielding second baseman Mark Ellis is here, too, as a guest instructor working with the infielders.

Who’s next, Connie Mack?

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This isn’t just 50th anniversary nostalgia, the A’s say. The team wants the old guys to meet the young guys as a reminder that World Series celebrations and Hall of Fame careers are possible in the East Bay, too.

“These are not only the greats of Oakland,” Manager Bob Melvin said, “but some of the greats of all-time.”

Only a handful of A’s were alive the last time the team won the World Series, in 1989. Pitcher Chris Bassitt was born on Feb. 22 that year.

But he’s played Henderson in video games. And Bassitt’s baseball-loving parents love hearing about their son rubbing elbows with the past. (His mom and dad really go nuts for the photos.)

Bassitt said he appreciates the A’s keeping the connection alive.

“These are the names from the history of the sport, so it’s really cool to see them and interact with them,” he said. “It’s hard not to get a kick out of guys like Dave Stewart or Rickey Henderson. They were not only great A’s players, but great baseball players in general. Any team would be like, ‘Holy crap! It’s Rickey Henderson!”

Before the A’s first full-squad workout of spring, Stewart and Henderson led a team meeting with the entire roster. It was a motivational pep talk about what it means to represent Oakland.

Bando also spoke to the squad on behalf of the Baseball Assistance Team, an organization that helps alumni in time of need. It’s an annual presentation, and can bore the younger crowd, but “Captain Sal” provided a reminder of what leadership looks like.

“You could see guys perk up and listen,” Melvin said. “Sometimes, in those types of meetings, you don’t get their attention. He certainly did.”

The A’s weren’t always in such a rush to keep their alumni in the fold. In contrast, the team across the bay boasts Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, Orlando Cepeda and others as regular visitors to the ballpark.

New president Dave Kaval has made a big push to re-connect with the A’s most notable players, and Melvin is happy to see the trend.

“For a younger group, to be part of the 50 years with us, I think it’s good for them,” the manager said. “They can pick their brains. They are very passionate about Oakland and their history there. And I think it rubs off on them.”